Strandloper

Today is Reconciliation Day in South Africa. We joined the throngs on the road and headed towards the West Coast as we had a reservation at Die Strandloper in Langebaan for noon for eight people. It's a good thing we brought our appetites!

The premise of the restaurant is a rustic beach-front experience. You pull up in a sandlot, walk along sand to a space enclosed and roofed with fishing nets (those hardcore green ones). A sign, "Djy is welkom" greets you and you are shown to your table. Ours was the first next to the door. The "floor" of the restaurant is beach sand. The table is a cement structure with pieces of tile in it and the benches are out of wooden planks. Truly rustic. Outside the net is one of the most beautiful views - the ocean.

We arrived right at noon with our own wine and sparkling wine; which you are advised to do by the restaurant. There are no waiters and there is no corkage fee.

This is from the website:
The Menu

This is a party place… we can assure you of a great time on the beach, in the sun. Please book as far ahead as you can! Bookings are essential! Children (under 12) pay according to height – Adults currently R190.00 p/p Please be advised that we do not have credit card facilities. Bokkoms Mussels in wine and onions Mussels with garlic butter Weskus Haarders Seafood Paella Braaied Snoek with potatoes and patats Waterbloemmetjie Bredie Smoked Angelfish Stompneus Kreef Moerkoffie Roosterkoek, fresh bread, farm butter and home made jams NOTES FOR GROUPS Without exception groups, corporate functions, parties, birthdays and weddings ALL have a brilliant time at “Die Strandloper”. A little pre-planning makes the function run smoother… * It is essential that the group are fully briefed as to what to expect. * This is a casual, informal and relaxed seafood restaurant * Informal beachwear is the order of the day – no high heels!! *We are right on the beach – just one hour away from Cape Town * Lunch or Dinner will take at least 3 to 4hours – or longer!! * Eat as much as you like from mussels to crayfish (half a kreef p.p.) – there are about 10 courses * Coming by coach? Have a glass of champers and orange on the way – it’s a great relaxer!! * Do you play a musical instrument? Bring it along! * Want to play games on the beach? Bring your equipment! * Plan to arrive at 12pm (lunch) or 6pm (dinner) *If bringing your own wine or beer, allow at least a litre or six pack per person – it seems to evaporate in the heat ….!! And don’t forget the ice to keep it cool! · And finally, parties of 15+ need to pay a R1000 deposit to secure the booking, before it is confirmed · EXPECT TO ENJOY YOUR DAY

You sit down and have drink. When the first course is ready you are called to come and get it. Paper plates and mussel shells are your crockery and cutlery. Hey, it said it's rustic!

In between courses you can leave the table and go and swim or play in the water or just relax on a rock as Larry did. It is just laid back. Which brings me to the "facilities" or "rustic toilets" as they refer to them there. Portalets. They are arranged in a courtyard - urinals and ladies separate. In the center is a rock formation with Dettol handsoap and a tap. Paper towels hang from a tree.

The waterblommetjie bredie - for those that don't know - is made with the most juicy and tender lamb and the actual petals from water lilies. Divine!

We all came home and crashed. It's been quiet since. I think we're all recovering still. Ek het lanklaas so lekker geeet!